Column clamp



Jan. 26, 1932. c. M. MARKHAM COLUMN CLAMP Filed Oct. 14, 1929 2 Sheet$-Sheet 1 Jan. 1932- c. M. MARKHAM COLUMN CLAMP Filed Oct. 14, 1929 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Jan. 26, 1932 PATENT OFFICE GHARLES M. MARKHAM, F TOLEDO, OHIO COLUMN CLAMP ll. i iplicatio11 filed Gctober 14, 1929. Serial No. 399,486.

This invention relates to devices for holding trnctural framework in proper positlon preparatory to pouring concrete or other material which 111111513 be held in shape for a period until it drys or sets, but more particu and which may be simply adjusted against the frame.

Another object is to producea clamping device for column frames or forms, which is simple in construction, reliable in operation, and may be manuhictured at a minimum cost.

Other objects and advantages will hereinafter appear. 7

The invention is shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of a Column clamp frame or form; 1

Fig. 2 an enlarged plan view of the ad jnstable connection between ends of the cla-unping arms;

Fig. 3 is a sectional elevation on the line 3-3 of: Fig. 2; i

Fig. 4 is a to plan view of the connecting or bracket menaer;

Fig. 5 is perspective view of an alternate form of clamping device;

Fig. 6 is a topplan view of the connection between the arms of the clamping device shown in Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of form of a clamping device;

Fig. S3 is an enlarged top plan View of the connection between adjacent arms of the clamping device shown inv F5 '1'; and

Fig. 9 is an edge view oi the parts shown in Fig.

Referring to the drawings, the illustrated enibmlinient oi the invention comprises a chnnping device for embracing a column torn-1 which is made up oi planks 1 arranged to enclose a substantially rectangular space another in embracing relation to a column into which concrete or the like is poured to form the pillar or column. The clamping device, shown in Figs. 1 to 4, comprises metal arms 2., 3, 4 and 5, the arms 2 and 3 being pivotally connected together at 6. It will thus be seen that the arms are arranged in pairs, and the arms of eachpair arepivotally connected.

The free ends of the arms 3 and 4 cross each other in overlapping relation, arms 2 and 5 being similarly arranged. Embracing these arms in the region of intersection are bracket members 7. Each bracket member has a channel or guideway 8 through which one arm (41 and 2 respectively) extends, and a channel 9 through which the other arm of each pair (3 and 5 respectively) extends. The channel 8 has an enclosed end portion 10, and is formed at one side thereof with horizontally spaced elongate openings 11. A lip 12 overhangs the channel 9, and formed in this lip are longitudinally spaced elongate openings 13. It will be observed that the channel or guide 8 is beneath, and is disposed at substantially right angles to the channel 9, in order to hold the arms in the proper position with respect to the column frame.

The outer edgeof each arm is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced teeth 14 providing abutments. In this instance the abutments are spaced apart uniformly. The abutments 14: are adapted to extend into the channels beneath the openings 11 and 13. i

In practice, the clamping device is assembled with an arm of each pair inserted through its channel in the bracket member 7 carried by an armof the other pair. In order to hold the device in position a wedge 15 is inserted into one of the openings 11 and one of the openings 13. These wedges cooperate with the abutments 14 to force the arms into closer engagement with the planks 1. Then in order further to tighten the clamping device a second wedge is driven in the other opening of thepair 11 or 13) before removing the wedgealready in position. By forcing in the second Wedge the arms are moved relatively to each other, and after the second wedge is in place'the first Wedge is removed.

This adjustment may continue until the desired clamping force is obtained.

This may be more clearly explained by reference to Fig. 2. It will be observed that a wedge 15 is forced into the opening 13 at the left. By forcing another wedge into opening 13 at the right, it is evident-thatthewedge 00- operating. with the abutment 14 serves to force the arm A into closer relation with the framework. The arm 3 may likewise be adjusted progressively toward the *worl by 'di'iv-' mg wedges in the openings or slots 11 after the manner above described. The workman carries an additional wedge with him,.the other wedges preferably being attached to the V bracketimembers ibyw chains '16 topreventtheir arm; It w-illzbe observedthata loop member:

Zfislidably engageseach arm to provide sub stantially rectangular enclosure. Formed in eaoharm': are slotsor openings-4 arranged in laterallyspaced rows with the: slots arranged I inistaggeredformation- VVedges-5 are in-* sertedinto the slots. in rear.- oftli'e:loop--mem-- bers 3 -to efiectadjustment: ofithe arms, one wedge being; driven in, and-when in place anotheri SIOlTvlS partially uncovered,.andcthen by driving anothen' wedge in the slightly uneov-- ered" slot theadjustment is obtained;

Anotherralternate' form 151 shown 1n Figs:

7 to 9;.iir whichsthe arms 1 are arranged in pairs ztlie arms: of each 1) air being I pivotallyconnected by azpin 2F. Tlhc-fre'e ends-of the- {LTB connected by slides or brackets: 3 whiclrare shaped to embrace eacharm' lugsa onzthie' armspreventl slides 3 trom -clisengagemeet from: the respective'rarmsz Each arm-is provided withsta-gered slots5?"s1m 1lar i to those oriathe formj'zshown in :Fig; .5. Adj ,u-st

naentof. the arms isobtained:by-Jwedges 6 after the in ann'err hereinbe fore described From the above description it is apparent that-Ihavepro ClllCGCl clamping device whieh 7 is'entirely free from parts lia blefto getoutof order: The number of"31nov*in'g parts is 're-- dircedto avininiinum. and the structure is so sturdy th atitmaybe'repeatedlyusedfor any indefinite period wi h'out replacement or re pair. From a manufacturing standpoint, it

is obvious that this clampis advantageousand practical, .becauseotits simplicity, and

1 absence-front detail requiring especially exact dimensions; a Y 1 WVhilethe abovedescription has been given' by: wayot illustration, it isnot to be considered as limiting, because numerous changes in' details-of construction, arrangement, and

operation may be effected without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A column clamp comprising arms engageable with thesides of the column form, abracket for connecting two arms and having a straight way. extending therethrough to form a guideway, said bracket having also a channel transverse to and ofiset from said way, and having 'an open side so that the other arm may be inserted laterally therein, spaced abutments on at least one of said arms, and a pairof wedge members, cooperating with said bracket member and abutments for adjusting onea'rm, step by; step, with relation to the other arm;

2; A column clamp comprising arms en-' gageable with the sides of the column form, a bracket for connecting two arms andhavin g astraightway extending therethrough to formwa guideway, said bracket having also a channel'vtransverse to and offset from said way,'and'having an open side sothat the other armv maybe inserted laterally therein, spaced abutments-on said arms, said=bracket having a=pair of longitudinallyspaced openings for eaeh arm ad-apted'to register respectively with the abutments on said arms,"and wedges'adapted to be inserted in said openings to cooperate with said abutments to force thev arms: into'clamping relation to the column=form. I

A deviceof the class described comprising a plurality of articulated arms adapted to: fonnr an enclosure, longitudinally spaced abutments on sa-id arms, said arms being arranged in pairs, a pivotal connection between eachip'a-ir' of arms, a-m-ember engagingthe free: ends of" adjacent arms and constructed to hold said arms at a predetermined angle, said member having ra pair of'longitudinally spaced" openings for" each arm adapted to register respectively with the abutments on said arms; and wedges adapted to'extend into said openings, the spacingof the' openingsbeingzidi-flerent' from that of the abutments, whereby adjustment may be cheated by forcing a- Wedgeinto' one-opening for engagement with an abutment'to'canse the re'- spective arm'to be moved'and'thereafter beforei'such wedge'iseremoved another wedge may be inserted into the other opening of the pairffurther to adjust such arm.f In testimony whereof I' have hereunto signed -mynameto this specification;

- CHARLES M. MARKH'AM. 

